The study conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) reveals significant implications for elephant habitats in Odisha due to proposed coal mining activities in the Angul district. This research underscores the intersection of wildlife conservation and industrial development, highlighting potential environmental crises linked to resource extraction.

Key Findings of the Study:

• Habitat Loss: The Angul forest division in Odisha is projected to lose approximately 390 square kilometers of elephant foraging ground and migratory corridors if coal mining operations proceed as planned. This reduction threatens the habitat's suitability for elephants, increasing risks of human-elephant conflict.

• Current Situation: Odisha hosts the largest population of Asian elephants in the east-central region of India, comprising 1,976 individuals, which represents 63% of the east-central elephant population and 6.5% of India's total elephant population (3,128** according to 2017 estimations). Elephants are present in 43 out of 50 forest divisions in Odisha, indicating a robust population; however, the region has seen a 1.2% growth rate between 2015 and 2017.

• Human-Elephant Conflict: With increasing industrial activity and habitat destruction, there is a heightened risk of conflict between humans and elephants, exacerbated by rising elephant-related fatalities.

• Coal Mining and Development: The Angul district, known for its rich coal reserves (accounting for 20% of India’s total coal reserves), is seen as crucial for both ecological and economic purposes. The Site Specific Elephant Management Plan for Angul Forest Division, 2022 emphasizes the rapid construction of thermal power plants, steel plants, transportation networks, and the establishment of pipeline infrastructure, elevating the risk of habitat destruction.

• Research Methodology: The WII scholars employed the MaxEnt modeling approach, a geospatial analysis technique, to assess suitable habitats for elephants, revealing that most available habitats coincide with proposed mining areas. This situation leads to operational coal mines further obstructing elephant movement.

• Recommendations: The researchers advocate for a reevaluation of the entire coal belt in the Angul district to limit mining activities. They also propose creating habitat connectivity by restoring forests along the western border of the Angul division to link the Satkosia Tiger Reserve with the Sambalpur and Deogarh divisions, enhancing ecological integration and protecting wildlife migrations.

Implications for Policy and Conservation:

The study underlines an urgent need for balancing economic development with wildlife conservation. Potential policy implications may include:

• Strategic Planning: Involvement of environmental assessments before initiating further coal mining, ensuring compliance with wildlife conservation standards.
• Conflict Management: The establishment of interventions to mitigate human-elephant conflicts, such as community engagement in wildlife protection strategies.
• Legislative Measures: Consideration for revising mining regulations that account for ecological impacts and promote sustainable development practices.

Conclusion:

The findings from the WII study present a critical insight into the environmental challenges posed by coal mining initiatives in Odisha. As the state weighs its industrial expansion against significant ecological concerns, the study serves as a fundamental reference for informed environmental governance and sustainable development strategies.

Important Points:

• Odisha risks losing 390 sq km of elephant habitat due to coal mining.
• The state has the highest population of Asian elephants in East-Central India with 1,976 individuals.
• Increased human-elephant conflict is anticipated due to habitat disturbance.
• The Angul division has substantial coal reserves, creating a conflict between different land use priorities.
• Recommendations include limiting mining area and enhancing habitat connectivity for elephant conservation.

On June 27, 2025, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed the implementation of a new air conditioner temperature range in India, indicating that the target range of 20°C to 28°C will not be enforced imminently and will be gradually introduced post-2050. This announcement was made during the India Climate Summit.

Key Points:

• Minister's Statement: Bhupender Yadav mentioned that achieving climate targets should align with national circumstances and adhere to the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).

• National Climate Plan: India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted to the UN emphasize the importance of ensuring energy access for its population.

• Current Air Conditioner Settings: Most air conditioners in India are typically set between 20°C and 21°C. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) recommends an optimal setting of 24 to 25°C to improve energy efficiency, stating that rising the thermostat by one degree can save approximately 6% of electricity, and adjusting it from 20°C to 24°C could save up to 24%.

• Expected Growth in AC Usage: India is seeing an annual addition of 10-15 million new air conditioners, with predictions of 130 million to150 million more over the next decade. Without policy intervention, demand from ACs alone could reach 120 GW by 2030 and 180 GW by 2035, becoming nearly 30% of the country's projected total energy demand, as per a study by the India Energy and Climate Center (IECC) at the University of California, Berkeley.

• Impact of Rising Temperatures: The summer of 2024 witnessed a surge of 40%-50% in room air conditioner sales due to extreme temperatures. The household sector's electricity consumption has also risen from 22% in 2012-13 to 25% in 2022-23, largely attributed to economic growth and increased demand for cooling solutions.

• Future Outlook: A study from the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development forecasts that in a scenario where global temperatures rise by two degrees Celsius, India's demand for cooling will surpass that of major nations like China, Nigeria, and the U.S., owing to its large population and rising temperatures.

Implications:

• Energy Policy: The phased implementation of the air conditioner temperature policy indicates a cautious approach to energy management amid increasing electricity demand and potential climate challenges.
• Economic Savings: Improving energy efficiency in air conditioning could yield substantial economic benefits, estimated at ₹2.2 lakh crore ($26 billion) over the next decade.
• Environmental Responsibility: The emphasis on the CBDR-RC principle underlines India's commitment to combat climate change while considering its developmental aspirations.

This situation reflects the complexities of balancing energy needs, climate action, and economic growth in a rapidly developing nation like India.

Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh over a 24-hour period led to multiple natural disasters, including cloudbursts and flash floods, resulting in a significant loss of life and property damage.

Summary

• Incident Overview:

  • Five fatalities have been reported due to three cloudbursts and nine flash floods in various locations across Himachal Pradesh.
  • Three landslides were also recorded during this period, with other incidents leading to one injury.

• Search and Rescue Operations:

  • Intensive operations are ongoing, conducted by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Home Guards, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
  • A total of 21 individuals have been successfully evacuated from different affected areas, highlighting the urgency and scale of the rescue efforts.

• Missing Persons:

  • Reports indicate that around nine people are missing, including three individuals in Kullu district and six in Kangra district.

• Government Response:

  • Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has engaged with senior officials via a virtual meeting to assess the disaster's impact and coordinate relief efforts.
  • The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Deputy Commissioners to remain vigilant and maintain constant communication with the public to efficiently address ongoing challenges caused by the adverse weather conditions.

• Safety Measures:

  • There is a particular focus on relocating vulnerable populations, especially migrant laborers residing near riverbanks, to safer areas to prevent further casualties.

• Date of Events:

  • The events transpired on June 26-27, 2025, marking a crucial period for emergency response in Himachal Pradesh.

Important Points

• Death toll from recent cloudbursts and floods in Himachal Pradesh reached five.
• The affected period spanned 24 hours, with significant rainfall causing three cloudbursts, nine flash floods, and three landslides.
• Search and rescue efforts are led by SDRF, Home Guards, and NDRF, rescuing 21 stranded individuals.
• Three individuals in Kullu and six in Kangra districts are reported missing, highlighting the ongoing risks in these areas.
• Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is actively overseeing rescue operations and urged authorities to be on high alert.
• Plans were established to relocate families, particularly migrant laborers, living in precarious conditions close to waterways.
• Events occurred from June 26-27, 2025, indicating the immediate timeline for natural disaster response.

This comprehensive disaster response illustrates the urgency of relief operations amid natural calamities and the proactive measures taken by the local government to protect at-risk populations in Himachal Pradesh.

A recent Right to Information (RTI) inquiry has highlighted a troubling lack of conservation funding for monuments protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in certain districts of West Bengal and Sikkim during the years 2022 and 2023. Despite a notable increase in visitor numbers and revenue at these ASI sites, critical maintenance funds were not allocated, raising concerns about the ongoing neglect of India's cultural heritage.

Key details from the RTI findings include:

• Overall Funding Decline: The conservation funding for ASI sites in West Bengal has significantly dropped below pre-pandemic levels. In the fiscal year 2019–20, ASI sites in West Bengal received ₹4.73 crore, which marginally increased to ₹4.78 crore in 2020–21. However, this funding plummeted to ₹3.78 crore in 2022–23, reinforcing the trend of reduced financial support for maintenance activities.

• Affected Districts: Six districts in West Bengal—Cooch Behar, Dakshin Dinajpur, Darjeeling, Malda, Murshidabad, and Purba Medinipur—did not receive any expenditure for monument upkeep over the span of two years.

• Sikkim Monuments Neglected: Notable sites in Sikkim, including Rabdentse and Dubdi Monastery, faced a similar lack of funding during the same period, indicating a broader issue of conservation neglect in the region.

• Visitor Increase Post-Pandemic: There has been a resurgence in visitor footfall to major heritage locations, including Metcalfe Hall, Hazarduari Palace, Cooch Behar Palace, and the Bishnupur temples, which contrasts sharply with the lack of maintenance funding. Revenue from entry tickets and filming licenses has seen an increase in temples located in Bankura and Purba Bardhaman.

• Geographical Disparity in Maintenance Funding: Kolkata has reportedly received the highest maintenance expenditures post-pandemic, while many significant sites outside the urban center faced negligible or no financial support.

• Warnings from Experts: Experts warn of irreversible damage to monuments and heritage structures due to prolonged neglect, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts. The preservation of these sites is linked not just to their physical structure but to cultural memory and identity.

• Response from ASI: Although they acknowledge the decline in funding, representatives of the ASI have indicated efforts to raise maintenance expenditures after facing challenges during the pandemic era.

This RTI revelation underscores the critical state of historical conservation in India, particularly in regions rich with cultural heritage but lacking necessary funding and resources. Stakeholders are urged to pay immediate attention to the maintenance of these invaluable cultural sites to ensure their preservation for future generations.

Important Points:

• RTI reveals lack of funding for ASI sites in West Bengal and Sikkim for 2022-2023.
• Conservation funding has dropped below pre-pandemic levels, with West Bengal receiving only ₹3.78 crore in 2022-23.
• Six districts in West Bengal, including Cooch Behar and Darjeeling, received no maintenance funds.
• Key sites in Sikkim also saw no financial support for upkeep.
• Visitor numbers and revenue increased post-pandemic at some ASI sites, contrasting with funding declines.
• Disparities in funding highlight Kolkata’s comparatively higher financial allocations.
• Experts warn of potential irreversible damage to monuments due to neglect.
• ASI acknowledges the funding issues but claims to be raising maintenance budgets.

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has released a significant report highlighting the increasing vulnerability of Asia to the adverse effects of climate change, concluding that the continent is warming at twice the rate of the global average.

Key Findings from the WMO Report:

• Warming Trends: Asia encompasses a landmass of approximately 44.58 million square kilometers and has been recorded to be warming at an average rate nearly double that of the global mean. The report indicates that temperatures over land in Asia are rising more than those over the oceans, which in turn leads to increased ocean temperatures.

• Marine Heat Waves: The previous year saw record high surface temperatures in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, which are rising at a rate of 0.24 degrees Celsius per decade—compared to the global average increase of 0.13 degrees.

• Natural Disasters: The report draws attention to various natural disasters linked to climate change, including:

  • Floods in Pakistan and Kazakhstan,
  • Heatwaves affecting China and Central Asian countries,
  • Typhoons in Southeast Asia,
  • A significant landslide in Wayanad, Kerala.

• Economic Impact: Many economies in South and Southeast Asia are labor-intensive and rely significantly on outdoor labor, making populations particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of extreme weather, such as heat, rain, and cold.

• Food and Water Security: Despite an overall increase in agricultural productivity, climate change poses a threat to food and water security in Asia, particularly regarding essential crops like rice, which are becoming increasingly vulnerable to droughts, rising salinity, and soil degradation. Studies by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have highlighted these vulnerabilities.

• Mitigation and Adaptation Plans: Almost every Asian country has initiated a global warming mitigation plan. However, the urgency for adaptation measures to cope with erratic weather patterns is becoming increasingly important.

• Need for Early Warning Systems: The report emphasizes the critical need for robust early warning systems to prepare communities for multiple hazards. For example, heavy rainfall can lead to both flooding and landslides, while higher temperatures may increase the intensity and prevalence of wildfires.

• Policy Recommendations: A central message from the WMO report urges policymakers across Asia to invest in enhancing resilience among populations and weatherproofing economies to better withstand climate-related challenges.

Conclusion: The findings outlined in the WMO report reflect a pressing need for both immediate and long-term strategies addressing climate change impacts in Asia. Enhanced resilience and proactive adaptation measures will be crucial in safeguarding vulnerable communities against the multifaceted hazards posed by global warming.

Important Points:

• Asia is warming at twice the global average rate.
• Surface temperatures in the Indian and Pacific Oceans reached record highs.
• Natural disasters linked to climate change are prevalent across the continent.
• Outdoor labor dependency increases vulnerability to extreme weather.
• Climate change threatens food security, particularly for staple crops like rice.
• A need exists for effective early warning systems for community preparedness.
• Policymakers must focus on resilience-building and economic weatherproofing strategies.

Summary of the News Article on Microplastics in Beverages Packaging

The All India Glass Manufacturers’ Federation (AIGMF) has clarified findings related to microplastics in beverages packaged in glass bottles, attributing the contamination to the paint on metal caps rather than the glass itself. This response comes in light of a study conducted by the French agency ANSES, which found higher levels of microplastics in beverages stored in glass bottles compared to those in plastic bottles, cartons, or cans.

Key Points:

• Study by ANSES: The French agency ANSES found microplastics present in all types of beverages, indicating that glass bottles exhibited a greater concentration of microplastics than other packaging materials. This study included various beverages such as water, soda, iced tea, wine, and beer.

• Origin of Microplastics: The AIGMF emphasized that the study clearly links the presence of microplastics in glass-packaged beverages to the metal caps and closures rather than the glass itself. Specifically, the paint on these caps was identified as the source of microplastic particles.

• Clarification from AIGMF: In a statement, AIGMF President Rajesh Khosla reiterated the safety and reliability of glass as a packaging material, citing its historical use since ancient times. Secretary Vinit Kapur highlighted differences between glass and plastic, noting that glass is composed of silica sand and recycled glass and is manufactured under high-temperature conditions that prevent plastic formation.

• External Components: Microplastic contamination in beverages was attributed to external factors, specifically the presence of painted metal surfaces, plastic liners, and sealing compounds used in bottle closures.

• Safeguards and Recycling: AIGMF took this opportunity to reinforce the non-toxic, chemically inert qualities of glass, asserting that it is completely recyclable and does not release harmful additives into the contained contents. The European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) echoed these sentiments, further confirming that glass does not chemically react with beverages.

Overall, the statements from AIGMF and related organizations address concerns raised by the ANSES study, reinforcing glass packaging's safety and promoting an understanding of how microplastics can infiltrate products through external components.

Important Sentences:

• AIGMF attributes microplastics in beverages to the color used on metal caps rather than the glass itself.
• The ANSES study indicated that beverages in glass bottles contained more microplastics than those in alternative packaging.
• The presence of microplastics is linked to the paint from metal caps on glass bottles.
• Glass is made from silica sand and recycled glass, produced without involving plastic formation.
• External components such as painted metal surfaces contribute to microplastic contamination, not the glass packaging.
• AIGMF asserts that glass is non-toxic, chemically inert, and fully recyclable.

On June 25, 2025, severe weather events in Himachal Pradesh, including cloudbursts, flash floods, and heavy rainfall, resulted in significant casualties and damage across various districts, notably Kangra and Kullu.

Key Events and Details:

• Casualties and Missing Persons:

  • Two bodies were recovered from the Manuni Khad in Kangra district.
  • Approximately 15-20 workers at a labor colony near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project site were feared swept away due to sudden surges in water levels.
  • In Kullu district, three individuals went missing due to flash floods caused by cloudbursts in areas like Jeeva Nallah and Rehla Bihal.

• Search and Rescue Operations:

  • Search efforts are being undertaken by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local administration, and revenue department officials amidst adverse weather conditions.
  • Dharamsala MLA Sudhir Sharma confirmed the disappearance of about 20 workers, and local officials indicated that some workers had been located safely.

• Damage Assessment:

  • Flash floods in Kullu district led to significant destruction, with numerous houses, shops, roads, and small bridges being damaged.
  • The Manali-Chandigarh National Highway sustained partial damage due to flooding from the Beas River, although traffic continued.

• Weather Conditions:

  • Continuous heavy rains were recorded, with significant precipitation in multiple locations:
    • Palampur: 145.5 mm
    • Jogindernagar: 113 mm
    • Nahan: 99.8 mm
    • Other affected areas included Baijnath, Poanta Sahib, and Dharamsala.
  • Gusty winds reached speeds of up to 56 kmph, creating additional challenges.

• Ongoing Alerts:

  • The Meteorological Department issued flash flood warnings for five districts—Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur—through June 26, 2025.
  • An orange alert was placed for heavy rain expected across multiple districts until June 29, underscoring the potential for further flooding and landslides.

• Impact on Infrastructure:

  • The floods particularly affected transportation routes, with landslides reported in Lahaul-Spiti and blocked roads impacting connectivity.
  • Local lawmakers urged citizens to avoid rivers and drains to ensure safety.

Summary Points:

• On June 25, 2025, flash floods in Himachal Pradesh led to two confirmed deaths and about 20 missing individuals in Kangra.
• Heavy rainfall caused widespread damage in Kullu, impacting houses, roads, and infrastructure.
• Search and rescue operations are ongoing by multiple emergency services.
• Significant rainfall totals were recorded in various regions, with warnings issued for continued adverse weather.
• An orange alert for heavy rain was declared for several districts, indicating heightened risk of flooding.

This situation highlights the vulnerability of regions in Himachal Pradesh to natural disasters exacerbated by extreme weather patterns, necessitating effective emergency response mechanisms and infrastructure resilience planning.

In a presentation at the Congress of the Royal Sanitary Institute in Brighton, London, Sir Leonard Rogers discussed the correlation between climate and disease incidence in India, particularly in light of rising unvaccinated children rates in Great Britain. His analysis highlights the importance of climatic variables and their effects on health outcomes over several decades.

Key Points from the Presentation:

• Context: Sir Leonard Rogers's paper was delivered in June 2025 during a significant gathering focused on public health concerns.

• Climatic Conditions in India: Rogers pointed out the distinct seasons in India—dry cold, dry hot, and hot moist—with significant rainfall variations across regions, making it a suitable subject for studying climate-related disease patterns.

• Research Findings:

  • Rogers established a strong connection between high rainfall and increased leprosy rates across India.
  • He also noted a correlation between humid monsoon conditions and higher incidence of certain orthotic conditions, demonstrated through illustrative maps.
  • Additionally, he examined the relationship between cold season phenomena, including low minimum temperatures, low humidity, and high diurnal temperature variations, particularly in Northern India. These factors appear to influence overall disease prevalence.

• Public Health Implications: The findings reiterate the need for comprehensive public health strategies that take into account climate variables, especially in regions with diverse climatic conditions like India.

This discourse sheds light on the intersection of environmental conditions and public health, emphasizing the significance of vaccination programs and health monitoring in the context of changing climatic patterns both in India and globally.

Summary of Research on Urban Heat and Bird Biodiversity in Bengaluru

A recent study led by researchers from the Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS) in Bengaluru reveals the significant impact of urban heat and declining green cover on bird biodiversity in Bengaluru, a rapidly urbanizing city. The study was published in the journal Ecological Applications and investigated the relationship between urbanization, heat stress, and avian diversity.

Key Findings of the Study:

• Impact of Heat and Urbanization: The study highlights that climate change and reduced green cover are profoundly affecting the lives of millions in tropical countries, especially in urban areas. Record temperatures in Indian cities emphasize this challenge.

• Focus on Bengaluru: Bengaluru, home to more than 350 bird species across its diverse habitats, serves as a case study. The researchers utilized bird records from eBird and satellite data to assess how heat correlates with green cover and bird species distribution.

• Heat Islands: Findings indicate that areas classified as heat islands exhibited lower avian diversity. These heat islands, characterized by significantly higher temperatures, pose threats to birds, where biodiversity is concentrated in cooler zones.

• Biodiversity Trends: Notably, birds in open habitats (grasslands, savannahs) and those reliant on human activities fared better in areas with reduced tree cover. This contrasts with previous studies from places like Dehradun, where green cover was strongly linked to biodiversity.

Ecological and Urban Planning Insights:

• Importance of Native Ecosystems: The study underscores that planting trees alone may not suffice for protecting urban biodiversity. It advocates for a nuanced approach to ecological restoration that considers Bengaluru's historical land use, which included open habitats and wetlands alongside forested areas.

• Risks of Non-Native Species: Approximately 77% of Bengaluru's tree cover consists of non-native species, which can harm local biodiversity and human health. The planting of invasive tree species like Jacaranda is cautioned against due to their detrimental impacts.

• Diverse Habitat Needs: It emphasizes the necessity for a variety of native plants, including grasses, herbs, shrubs, and trees, as part of urban greening efforts. Focusing solely on afforestation may lead to ineffective conservation strategies.

Recommendations for Urban Biodiversity Conservation:

• Integrative Planning: Urban development in cities like Bengaluru should incorporate biodiversity goals, factoring in diverse land uses and historical land cover patterns.

• Conservation Strategies: Effective reclamation of degraded lands like wetlands and grasslands must be prioritized over simple afforestation efforts.

• Social Equity in Urban Planning: Ecological and social inequities are deeply connected, with marginalized communities experiencing the severest impacts of heat and deforestation. Urban planning should address these disparities.

• Access to Green Spaces: The study advocates for improved access to green areas, urging cities to ensure public access to parks and natural spaces, which are increasingly restricted.

Conclusion:

The findings from this research highlight the complex interplay between climate change, urbanization, and biodiversity. They invite a reconsideration of urban planning and ecological restoration strategies to foster sustainable urban ecosystems while mitigating the adverse impacts of rising temperatures.

Important Points:

• Climate change and heat stress are impacting avian biodiversity.
• Bengaluru hosts over 350 bird species yet faces increasing temperatures.
• Heat islands correlate with reduced bird diversity.
• The role of tree cover in biodiversity varies among different species.
• Historical land use must inform urban ecological restoration processes.
• A significant fraction of Bengaluru’s tree cover comprises non-native species.
• Urban planning should address ecological and social inequities.
• A multifaceted approach is needed to reclaim habitats and enhance urban biodiversity.